KEY TAKEAWAYS: Membership rates will remain unchanged through February 2026 Decision follows public backlash over proposed family price increases New 2026 pricing to be announced in late January, effective March 1 Adjustments will reflect rising costs while aiming to remain affordable T he Audubon Nature Institute has announced that annual membership prices will remain unchanged from earlier 2025 levels through February 2026. The announcement comes after Audubon faced significant backlash through online social media in late November when the nonprofit published plans to nearly double family membership prices. “After extensive community engagement and feedback, we are maintaining these rates to ensure continued accessibility for our community,” wrote the Audubon Nature Institute in a Facebook post published on Dec. 17. “New membership pricing for 2026 will be announced in late January and will take effect March 1, 2026. Updated rates will reflect community input while continuing to support our mission and remain affordable for families.” The social media post added: “These adjustments will account for rising operational costs, including animal care, veterinary services, habitat maintenance, utilities, insurance, and staffing, while keeping memberships reasonably priced.” Currently, on the Audubon Nature Institute website, annual membership prices include: Family Basic (2 adults and up to 2 children): $219.95; Family Plus (2 adults and up to 4 children): $259.95; Super Krewe (2 adults and up to 5 children): $329.95; and Audubon Krewe (2 adults, up to 5 children, 1 flex guest, 1 caregiver pass, and 5 single use guest passes): $449.95. Audubon also offers individual annual membership rates at $99.95 and dual annual membership rates for 2 adults at $164.95. The Audubon Nature Institute is a nonprofit that manages 10 distinct museums and parks, including the Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium, Audubon Park, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Audubon Wilderness Park, Audubon Coastal Wildlife Network, and Golf Club at Audubon Park. ...read more read less